She didn't look at him, though many other girls did. Blair just continued to walk, heading toward whatever class she had next, but Scorpius stood, transfixed, watching her go.

Just then he felt an elbow in his stomach. "Coming, mate?" Felix asked him.

"Yea," he said, turning away from the retreating girl. "Let's go."

CHAPTER 2: BALL

"Scorpius?"

He turned around to find Blair behind him, a bright red rose resting on her head, matching various strands of her hair. Her violet eyes flickered blue for a moment before turning back, startling Scorpius. His gaze softened for a second before hardening.

"What do you want?"

Instead of cringing like most people did at the tone of his voice, she cocked her head to the side as if she were studying him. Blair didn't answer right away; she just continued to stare at him, seemingly memorizing every line on his face. Scorpius was beginning to get impatient.

"I said, what do you want?"

She snapped her eyes to his and everything else melted from his gaze. All he saw were those big violet eyes… and then she looked away.

"You dropped this," she said, handing him a piece of parchment with his name on it. It was his Potions essay. It must've slipped out of his book at breakfast.

He snatched the parchment from her and stuffed it into one of his books, beginning to walk away.

"You don't have to act like them, you know."

Scorpius stopped, halfway down the hall, and looked back. "What?"

She was staring at him with those eyes again. "Not all the Slytherins act like you."

Just as Scorpius was about to ask her what she meant, she was swept away by the current of students heading towards their various classes. Scorpius stared after her, watching the bright red rose bounce away and thinking to himself, I'll have to get her something red to put in her hair, before hastily shaking the thought away.

He began to walk down the corridor again, barely even noticing the troop of girls behind him, giggling madly. Scorpius was used to their presence, often having to deal with them following him everywhere he went, though he didn't mind too much. Quite a few of them were pretty… and quite a few more of them were Pureblooded Slytherin.

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Scorpius thought about what Blair said as he sat in Potions, casually stirring the green concoction in his cauldron. What had she meant by "You don't have to act like them?" Who didn't he have to act like? And who was she to tell him who he should and shouldn't act like? She was probably just trying to confuse him.

A slight burning sensation on his right hand pulled Scorpius from his thoughts.

"Argh!" He yelled, shaking his hand wildly. A bit of the potion he had been stirring had landed on his hand and was now burning his skin, right to the bone. "Get it off! Get it off!"

Professor Talwater, the new Potions master since Slughorn retired, rushed to Scorpius's side, muttering something under his breath and holding his wand close to Scor's hand.

Scorpius whimpered as the professor healed his hand, allowing his wand to trail over the slowly receding wound. When he was done, Scorpius stopped whimpering and examined his hand, checking for any left over damage. Upon finding none, he straightened his uniform and glared at the professor.

"Perhaps we should pay more attention to the task at hand, eh, Mr. Malfoy?" Talwater raised a demeaning eyebrow. Scorpius just scowled at him and took his seat.

As soon as his robes brushed the chair, a dozen arms were around him, rubbing his back and shoulders sympathetically. Scorpius allowed himself a small smirk as he sat back and let the girls try and comfort him.

"Poor Scorpius," one whispered in his ear.

"It'll be alright, Scor. Talwater is bound to be sacked soon, the horrible prat."

"Is there anything I can do?"

The girls all offered him whatever they thought would make him feel better and he just smirked at them all, winking at a few, who then giggled like mad and smiled at him broadly.

Daisy came over then, looking at the girls with disgust. "Come on, girls. Scor's a big boy. He can care for himself well enough."

The girls just glared at her before returning their attentions to Scorpius, who smirked triumphantly at Daisy whilst leaning back and putting his hands behind his head.

"Miss Plum's quite right. Back to your seats ladies, before I subtract points." Talwater said, tapping his fingers impatiently against his desk.

The girls sighed, giving Scor one last lingering look each before heading off to their respective seats. It was Daisy's turn to smile triumphantly, and she did so, staring at Scorpius as she made her way to her seat. Scorpius scowled; Daisy may have won the battle, but he shall win the war!

The rest of class passed smoothly, Scorpius completing the rest of his potion perfectly and earning his house ten points. As soon as the bell rang, signaling lunch, Scorpius rushed out the door, waiting for Daisy. When she exited the room, he sent a Jelly Legs Jinx her way and laughed mercilessly as she wobbled around, trying to keep her balance, a priceless look on her face all the while.

As he walked by, Daisy shot him an angry look. "You'll pay for this, Malfoy! I swear!"

Scorpius just continued to laugh as he walked away. Something red caught his eye and he turned to find Blair frowning in the corner, staring at him. He shrugged at her, saying "What?" with his body language. She just shook her head and raced away, leaving Scorpius in a foul mood. Just to cheer himself up, he hexed a few first years and went on his way; though Blair's frowning face was still on his mind.

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"A what?" Felix's mouth was practically touching the floor. He was looking at the bulletin in the Slytherin common room. Scorpius pushed past him to read the notice.

Attention Students

It has been decided that we shall have a Yule Ball this year. Fourth years and up are invited. The ball will be held in the Great Hall on December seventeenth. Two American schools have been invited to stay with us in order to participate in this dance. It is expected that all students respect and be considerate toward our guests. They will arrive this afternoon.

Scorpius stared at the notice, a little unsure of what he had just read. A ball… American schools… are arriving today! He shook his head and looked at Felix. "There's something more going on, something they're not telling us. Why would they invite the Americans over here for a ball? No, something big is happening."

Felix looked at him, his green eyes shinning. "But what?"

Scorpius shrugged. "Guess we'll find out."